Bus firm Citylink plans to operate a larger bus on the busy Ullapool -
Many travellers using the ferry have been left behind in Ullapool as the single bus cannot take all passengers.
Citylink insists all anyone with a pre-
However, reservations are closed in advance of the travel date if all seats are filled. Many islanders find they cannot book beforehand.
MSP Alasdair Allan met with Citylink’s operations director, David Frenz, over the
problems.
Alasdair Allan said: “During the meeting I pressed home the need for additional capacity on this route and the need for much better integration.
“More generally I also pointed out that better integration between Citylink and Calmac
could help solve this problem.
"For example; it would help if Calmac were able to highlight on their timetables
and online booking systems that it may be necessary to pre-
Mr Allan suggested: "It might also help if a way could be found at the ferry terminal to ask those buying tickets if they needed a bus. This would give three hours notice of passenger numbers and Citylink have confirmed that this would increase the chances of a second bus being provided."
He added: “Ultimately the last thing anyone travelling to or from the island wants is to find themselves stuck in Ullapool after a long journey. While I received an assurance from Citylink that everyone who books will get a space on the bus, there is probably still more that could be done to bring Calmac and Citylink together to ensure people are not stranded.”
Travel problems prompts Citylink to provide bigger bus
19 September 2015